After undergoing a series of gruelling tests, the forces’ Specialist and Utility Vehicles team has, for the first time, added the Spanish line-up to its panel of suitable vehicles. That opens the door to large military contracts and, as a result, puts the utilitarian four-wheel-drive in direct competition with the British-born Defender.
Although Santana has yet to pick up any orders following the decision, the 2.8-litre oil-burner’s 3.5-tonne tow-ing capacity and one-tonne payload are sure to appeal to military chiefs.
The firm’s ‘Work4orce’ line-up also includes van and pick-up variants. Forces in Spain, France and the Czech Republic already use Santana vehicles.
According to distributor Fourtec UK, models in the range can be equipped as emergency vehicles and fitted with armour for battlefield roles.